4 Ways to Make a Brooch

2025 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2025-01-24 13:28

Brooches are a very fashionable accessory for their classic yet modern air. Buying one in a store can be quite expensive. Cut your expenses by reading this article which contains explanations on how to make your own brooch.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: With Felted Wool

Step 1. Purchase felting wool in multiple colors

You can find it online or in various stores. It is quite affordable so buy various types, you will like the final result.

This type of wool is not the same as the others. It is sold in soft and large balls

Step 2. Place the wool on a plastic surface and wet it with warm soapy water

If you prefer, mix several. You will get something new and different out of it.

• Press and pull the wool to keep it in shape. Add more water as needed. When you can no longer stretch the fibers, then it is felted. This should take about 15 minutes.

  

Step 3. Gently rinse with water to remove all soap

Squeeze to drain.

• Let it dry overnight. Once dry, it should be soft.

  

Step 4. Make the layers as you like and sew them together

Add buttons, beads or small stones. You can also use other wool in the form of balls as a decoration. And a button is a great center.

• Don't forget to glue or sew a safety pin on the back! You have to be able to fix your work on clothes.

  

Method 2 of 4: With Safety Pins

Step 1. Purchase a large safety pin and 10-14 smaller pins

The larger one will be the base of the brooch to which the smaller ones will attach.

Step 2. Open a pin and thread some beads along the length

The size of the pearl is not important, as long as it is not too small that you will not be able to enter or too large to prevent the brooch from closing.

• Squeeze the arm of the safety pin with jeweler pliers - this will prevent it from opening and dropping the beads.

  

• Repeat with the other pins, adding beads and tightening until you run out of available pins.

  

Step 3. Open the larger safety pin

Thread all the beaded pins into the larger one. You now have a tinkling clasp with which to adorn any piece of clothing.

• Perfect on the lapel of a coat, on a scarf or handbag.

  

Method 3 of 4: With the Trimmings

Step 1. Cut the trimmings to the desired length

There should be at least 12 holes. For this method it is easier if you use the braid about the width of your thumb. The thinner one will not give the desired results.

Step 2. Fold one end of the fabric and hold it in place with stitches

You will also need to repeat on the other side of the trimmings when you have finished making the flower.

Step 3. Sew each hole together through the final hole of the fabric

They should come together like the bellows of an accordion, with the needle going in and out at the lowest part of the material.

• Once done, fold the end of the trimmings as you did at the beginning.

  

Step 4. Sew the edge to the first of the two holes

This will seal the fabric. Roll - you should end up with what looks like a full circle.

Step 5. Sew the inside corners of the holes together

Be careful to keep the edges of the trimmings out as you perform this step. Sew around and along the flower to close the center, always working on the back.

• This will hold everything together and above all give the brooch a certain solidity.

  

Step 6. Choose a button in a complementary color to the trimming

Sew it to the center of the flower. Bring the thread to the back of the work and cut.

Step 7. Cut out a felt circle that is smaller than the flower

This will be the base of the clasp. Add the safety pin to the back of the felt.

• Place the safety pin near the top of the circle. Sewing in the center, your clasp will collapse once you put it on.

  

Step 8. Sew the felt circle to the back of the trimmings

Hide the edges of the flower under it as you sew.

Method 4 of 4: With Lace

Step 1. Machine baste less than 1 meter of border lace

Stop about 0.6 cm from the end. Knot.

Step 2. Gently pull the knotless part as you push the lace

Do a few inches at a time, in opposite directions until all the lace is massed against the knotted part. Now the lace will look like a petal.

Step 3. Spiral wrap the stitched edge

Brush with glue several times to make the lace look like a carnation. Tie off the excess thread and cut off anything extra.

Step 4. Cut out a 3.75 cm circle

from the felt. With hot glue, attach it to the back of your flower. Then glue the pin to the felt.

• The lace is light enough that the brooch can be stuck in the center. However, if you are concerned that it may fall, glue it to the top of the felt.

  

Advice

If the edge of the trimmings starts to fray, tape it up or brush it with an anti-lint substance. The edges will not show once finished

Warnings

• Use thread that lasts long enough to stitch the thicker material. A thin needle may break as you push it through the fibers.
• Don't rush the felt drying. Only start making the brooch for us when all the water has evaporated.